Voorhees, N.J.—The new headquarters for American Water Works Co. Inc. has broken ground at One Water Street of the $1 billion Camden Waterfront development. The five-story, 220,000-square-foot facility will house more than 600 employees upon completion, which is scheduled for late 2018.

“American Water and our employees are excited about our new home on the Camden waterfront,” Susan Story, president & CEO of American Water, said in a prepared statement. “We know this will be a place where we can become an even stronger presence in this great city; where we can attract and develop talent for today and the future; and where we can develop solutions to challenges for clean, safe, reliable and affordable water and water services for people across the country.”

The environmentally-friendly property will be located between the Ben Franklin Bridge and Adventure Aquarium, providing easy access to a waterfront park along the Delaware River. Natural lighting, a rooftop terrace and cutting-edge technology are among the mentioned amenities of the new headquarters. One Water Street has been designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, and will pursue LEED Platinum Core and Shell certification.

“The construction of One Water Street marks another great chapter in our city’s history,” said Mayor Redd. “I commend both Liberty Property Trust along with American Water for committing to Camden.”

While Congressman Norcross named the new headquarters a symbol of Camden’s renewal, Mayor Reed added that “This project also signifies a private investment of $1 billion in our city. That commitment extends to hiring Camden residents and sourcing services and materials from Camden based companies. It will transform our waterfront and benefit our residents for many years to come.”

The Camden Waterfront is a new, mixed-use neighborhood anticipated to attract corporations, employment and consistent inward investment. The master plan was designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects; Liberty Property Trust is currently working on an agreement with The Michaels Organization for 188 residential units, as well as for a proposed 180-room Hilton Garden Inn to be developed by Ensemble Real Estate Solutions.

The development’s office component will consist of build-to-suit projects for corporations. Moreover, the existing waterfront park will be subjected to an $8 million renovation that will create more than 2.5 additional acres designed for recreation, exploration, respite and engagement with nature.

Liberty has entered into a Community Investment Agreement with Camden in which it has committed to staffing 10 to 20 percent of the construction workforce with Camden residents. In addition, 20 percent of the residential units will be allocated to affordable housing.

“The significance of this moment is twofold,” said Liberty Property Trust Chairman, President & CEO William Hankowsky. “Today, we not only celebrate breaking ground on American Water’s new corporate headquarters, but also recognize this is the very first step in establishing The Camden Waterfront as a thriving and dynamic community.”